The problem shown in the image could have been prevented by which action?

• A. Ensuring that both sections were embedded flat and at the same level
• B. Improper embedding
• C. Forceps metastasis
• D. Better cleaning of forceps between specimens

Answer: (D)

This item is about preventing cross-contamination between specimens from instrument reuse. If forceps or other tools touch a tissue from one sample and then come into contact with another sample, tiny fragments can be transferred, causing misleading results or misidentification. Cleaning forceps between specimens removes any tissue residue and stops carryover, making it the most effective preventive action. The other options address aspects of sectioning or embedding quality, which affect how well the tissue is processed or displayed, but they don’t prevent tissue from one specimen ending up on another. The term “forceps metastasis” describes the transfer problem rather than stopping it; cleaning between specimens directly counters that issue.